(Image: Supplied)
A new digital travel ticket is being launched in the North East for this year’s Great North Run, giving thousands of participants and spectators a "quicker and more flexible" way to travel on race day.
The £6.50 Great North Run Day Rover will be available for the first time through the Pop App, offering unlimited travel across Metro, bus and Shields Ferry services on Sunday, September 13.
The ticket—subsidised by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness—aims to make transport more convenient and reduce queues at Metro ticket machines.
Helen Mathews, commercial director at Nexus, said: "We are delighted to launch a digital version of our popular Great North Run Day Rover this year.
"This is the first time that the product has been available in this way.
"Customers can buy it through the Pop App and all their travel is stored digitally on their smartphone.
"It is ideal for anyone taking part in the event, or spectating, offering unlimited travel on Metro, buses, the Shields Ferry and some local rail services.
"For runners and spectators alike, it offers flexibility and will save you time in the queue when it is really busy.
"If you’re a runner, then you don’t need to worry where your travel ticket is after the race, it will be stored safely on the Pop App on your phone."
The digital Day Rover is now on sale via the Pop App and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
It covers Metro, buses, the Shields Ferry, and rail services between Blaydon and Sunderland.
Nexus will not sell its Great North Run wristbands this year, as the Pop App ticket replaces them.
However, runners who ordered wristbands will receive them in their race packs from the Great North Run company.
For those who prefer a physical ticket, a paper version of the Day Rover will still be available from Metro ticket machines for the same price.
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This ticket is valid for travel on the Tyne and Wear Metro, the Shields Ferry, buses across County Durham, Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear, and Northern trains between Sunderland and Blaydon.
Nexus has advised that anyone travelling by Metro only should use Pop Pay As You Go, either on their phone or smartcard.
Fares will remain capped at £5 under the Mayor’s Fares scheme.